Prime Minister Justin Trudeau salutes Louis Riel on holiday Monday

Louis Riel was hanged for treason against the Canadian government more than 130 years ago but today,Canada's prime minister paid tribute to the Manitoba Mtis leader.

Prime Minister JustinTrudeau, in a statement issued Monday, lauded Riel as not only a founder of Manitoba but a championof the values Canada's identity is now based upon.

Here is the full statement, released on Manitoba's ninthannual Louis Riel Day:

"Today, I join theMtispeople,Manitobans, and Canadians across the country to commemorate Louis Riel: a champion of minority rights, a founder of Manitoba, and a key contributor to Canadian Confederation.

"Louis Riel made important sacrifices to defend the rights, the freedoms, and the culture of theMtispeople. The ideals that Louis Riel fought for ideals of inclusiveness and equality are now the very same values on which we base our country's identity.

"As we work to renew a nation-to-nation relationship with the Indigenous peoples of Canada, including theMtispeople, let us take a moment to reflect on the life of Louis Riel, and celebrate the many contributions ofMtiscommunities to our great country."

Riel washanged for treason atage 41 in 1885 andremains a controversial figure in Canadian history.

Seen by many as a folk hero and protector of minority rights and culture, there have beendemands made over the years for his retroactive pardon.

Others view himas a traitor who instigatedwar when heled two resistance movements against theCanadian government.

After he was executed in a publicgallows in Regina on Nov. 16, 1885, Riel'sbody was transported toManitoba. On Dec. 12, 1885, he was buried in theSt.BonifaceCathedral cemetery, now part of Winnipeg.

On Feb. 18,2008, Manitoba officially recognized the third Monday of every February asLouis Riel Day, a general provincial holiday.

• What's open and closed on Louis Riel Day in Winnipeg
• Louis Riel Day: Descendent of Mtis leader proud to celebrate heritage

Freedom fighter

Dwight Dorey, the national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, also issued a statement on Monday to celebrate Riel:

"Today we pay tribute to a man who fought to preserve Mtis rights and culture. He defended his people against bigotry and racism, and was convicted of a crime he did not commit, for which he paid the ultimate price.He was a true freedom fighter.

"I hope both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people take time to reflect and pay tribute to the sacrifice that Riel made in the name of justice. Today we remember our history and learn from past mistakes to ensure this type of injustice never happens again."

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoplesrepresents the interests ofMtis, status and non-status Indians, and southern Inuit people living off-reserve.

Riel at Canadian Museum forHuman Rights

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is hosting a number of events, includingmusic, dancing, crafts and discussion, forLouis Riel Day.

In the Canadian Journeys gallery, visitors will find stories and exhibits about the Mtis resistance, indigenous land rights and Franco-Manitobans'struggle for language rights.

Costumed interpreters will be on hand to answer questions and provoke discussion.

Bonnie & John Buhler Hall

• 11 a.m. Welcome by CMHRofficial family of Festival du Voyageurand mascot Lo La Tuque.
• 11:30 a.m. Theatrical performance for families.
• 1 p.m. Musical program opens.
• 1:25 p.m. Red Moon Road.
• 2 p.m. Ray St. Germain.
• 2:35 p.m. Patti Kusturok.
• 3:10 p.m. Sagkeeng's Finest.

In galleries

• 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon Beading workshop.
• 11:30 a.m. to 12 noon Photos with Festival du Voyageurofficial family and mascot.
• 12 noon Discussion of Mtis rights in Canada led by former St.BonifaceMuseum directorPhilippe Mailhot.
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Make your own clay beads.
• 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Beading workshop.